One of the most underutilized revenue generating channels is running a solid affiliate program. However, most internet entrepreneurs do not have an affiliate program, and if they do, it is often an afterthought. For example, on many sites with affiliate programs, the link to the actual page is not in the primary navigation menu, but rather in the footer.

More importantly, the copy-writing and program details on most affiliate programs are not given the same love as other pages. In an effort to showcase what makes a great affiliate program page, I reviewed over a hundred affiliate programs across various industries to spot the best practices in action.

So what makes a great affiliate program page? While every program is different, there are certain elements of the affiliate program that need to be clearly outlined. Based on my research, the best pages have these common characteristics:

Clearly articulate how much the affiliate will make per sale? Nobody likes surprises!

Define the payout schedule (i.e., weekly, monthly, 60 days)?

Outline how to apply? If using a third party affiliate network, make that clear so that the visitor does not end up on a third party site unexpectedly.

Clearly articulate the profile of the ideal candidate, and potential payouts.

Define what’s allowed and what’s not. For example, some programs do not allow gambling or non-English base sites, whereas others do not allow the use of misleading promo codes. This is usually within the terms and conditions section of the site or application.

Provide access to creative assets. Make it easy to promote your content by providing the affiliate with branding files, product descriptions, and graphics.

Link to the affiliate program via their navigation menu.

Notice that I made no mention of amazing design as most affiliate pages are intentionally minimalistic to ensure visitors can easily identify the program details and benefits. It’s more important that the page achieves the primary goal of getting the visitor to apply to be an affiliate.

Given these elements, let’s review examples of excellent affiliate program pages across various industries:

WP Engine

Program Details:

Minimum Payout: $200

Payout Schedule: Monthly

Affiliate Network: ShareASale

Commission: $200 minimum. For business accounts, commission is $249 per sale.

Cookie Length: 180 days

Affiliate Page URL: https://wpengine.com/affiliate/

Getting people to sign up for a new hosting provider is tough especially given the amount of competition. Since 25% of the web runs on WordPress, WP Engine’s status as a WordPress specific hosting provider makes it an attractive option.

Since they’ve carved out a niche (and are really good at it), the opportunities to get affiliate sales is higher. Their affiliate page clearly mentions the typical payout, payout schedule, the affiliate network they use to manage activity (ShareASale), as well as reasons why people join their program.

Furthermore, you’ll notice that their tracking cookie lasts for 180 days which is significantly more than other hosting providers. They also pair you with an affiliate manager that can consult with you on best practices for promotion, and offer incentives for performing well (i.e., possible bonuses or higher payouts!)

Glasses are unnecessarily expensive, and that’s why customers have been flocking to Warby Parker. They basically cut out the middlemen and sell directly to customers online. If you’re running a trendy fashion or style blog, Warby Parker is an ideal fit (no pun intended).

Affiliates can rack up $0.50 for each at home try-on (i.e., leads) which almost all customers opt for regardless of whether they decide to purchase the glasses. However, if the customer does make the purchase, you’ll get 20% commission. It’s a very interesting model to entice affiliates who will also feel great about promoting this brand as for every pair sold, a pair is distributed to someone in need.

Notice that their affiliate program page is run by a professional affiliate management company and the page highlights the name, image, and and contact details of several affiliate managers. That’s a unique and personal touch I have yet to see on other affiliate pages.

Tour Radar

Program Details:

Minimum Payout: n/a

Payout Schedule: As you go

Affiliate Network: Internal

Commission: 3% cash commissions or 5% worth of travel credits. Also receive commission for every tour booked by customer. Forever.

Cookie Length: unknown

Affiliate Page URL: http://www.tourradar.com/referral-program

TourRadar offers tour bookings all over the world. What’s interesting about their affiliate program is that you can get paid in either cash commissions or travel credits. As someone who loves to travel, their product offering is very attractive and global which is perfect for site owners in the travel and leisure industries.

Their affiliate page is well designed and clearly outlines all the key elements their referral partners need to know before applying. Worth mentioning is their Lifetime Customer Revenue section that explains exactly how much you would make on a sample booking.

Shopify

Program Details:

Minimum Payout: $25

Payout Schedule: Monthly

Affiliate Network: Internal

Commission: 200% of customer’s subscription fee allowing you to make up to $2,400 per sale

Cookie Length: unknown

Affiliate Page URL: https://www.shopify.com/affiliates

Shopify has high commissions, some of the highest conversion rates in the industry, and one of the easiest to use affiliate dashboards. If you’re getting visitors interested in launching their own e-commerce sites, Shopify has a great affiliate program.

Their page clearly notes their target affiliates as bloggers and publishers and highlights the free resources they provide to affiliates. Shopify’s marketing materials are also top-notch and their team constantly updates affiliates on new features and offers. Though, what I find missing on the page is the cookie length duration.

Elegant Themes

Program Details:

Minimum Payout: Varies

Payout Schedule: Monthly

Affiliate Network: Internal

Commission: 50% on each sale

Cookie Length: unknown

Affiliate Page URL: https://www.elegantthemes.com/affiliates/

It seems there are more and more WordPress theme shops launching every day, however Elegant Themes has been a force to be reckoned with in the industry. Their affiliate page does a great job at showcasing compelling stats such as their partnership with 21,000+ affiliates and pay outs of over $1,000,000 per year! That’s serious money!

The featured graphic clearly highlights the whopping 50% commission on each sale while the multiple testimonials compliment the program with social credibility. Their affiliate page link is one of only a few links placed in their footer navigation making it easy to find.

Protect America

Program Details:

Minimum Payout: n/a

Payout Schedule: Weekly

Affiliate Network: Internal

Commission: $300 for each customer

Cookie Length: unknown

Affiliate Page URL: http://www.protectamerica.com/support/affiliates

Protect America is a leading home security system with a great affiliate page that leads with industry awards and is reinforced by several testimonials. The featured area documents both the payout as well as the frequency (weekly).

They have an expandable signup form on the page eliminating the need to be redirected to another page (i.e., likely results in more submissions). Directly beneath the application form are the most frequently asked questions.

Draft Kings

Program Details:

Minimum Payout: $75

Payout Schedule: Monthly

Affiliate Network: Internal

Commission: Up to 35% revenue share monthly. 50% for first month.

Cookie Length: unknown

Affiliate Page URL: https://www.draftkings.com/affiliates

Fantasy sports giant, Draft Kings, has a very straight-forward affiliate page that clearly explains how their program works. I especially like that you can easily navigate to the program overview, FAQ, and terms of conditions.

Given their industry is ultra sensitive to regulatory requirements, this transparency is critical to their affiliate program. Within the body of page, Draft Kings outlines the payout schedule for both existing and new referrals – no surprises!

InfusionSoft’s page has a very clear message targeting affiliates with a strong presence among small businesses owners through their website, email contacts or social networks to join their Referral program. The page leads with a high-quality video of an actual referral partner discussing the benefits of the program.

Further down the page, there is an entire section that reinforces the numerous benefits & resources which include invitations to their conferences. NICE! Unlike many others, InfusionSoft provides their program details in a downloadable PDF which could have been easily integrated onto the page.

FreshBooks

Program Details:

Minimum Payout: n/a

Payout Schedule: Monthly

Affiliate Network: ShareASale

Commission: Earn $100 per sale – or – $5 per trial signup

Cookie Length: 45 days

Affiliate Page URL: https://www.freshbooks.com/affiliates

Freshbooks has a beautiful affiliate page that gets straight to the point. Earn $100 per sale. The page is consistent with the branding and style of all other pages on the site. Similar to other high-converting pages, it provides several reasons to join and highlights handy tools such as their affiliate newsletter and creative banners. Given that most entrepreneurs will need accounting software, FreshBooks is a great fit for affiliates.

MaxCDN

Program Details:

Minimum Payout: n/a

Payout Schedule: Monthly

Affiliate Network: Impact Radius

Commission: Double payout commissions for any monthly signup

Cookie Length: unknown

Affiliate Page URL: https://www.maxcdn.com/affiliates/

MaxCDN has a unique commission structure for their affiliates and they showcase it well by posting the exact amount (double payout) based on each plan offered. For example, Sell a package that costs $79. Get paid $160. The page generously features existing partners that most of us would recognize along with convincing testimonials.

There’s a quick form at the bottom to submit or email any questions before you apply. I’ve seen many well known sites flaunt their logo so that’s a good indication of how effective this affiliate page has been for MaxCDN.

Conclusion

After reviewing the 10 pages above, and dozens more, it’s evident that the affiliate program page needs more attention. Given that businesses can only benefit from additional revenue, take advantage of the low-hanging fruit and start optimizing your affiliate page to generate more revenue. Some quick tweaks could have a significant impact. If you’ve seen other examples of great affiliate program pages on the web, post them in the comments below.

About Charlie Patel

Charlie is a serial entrepreneur who currently serves as CEO 99 Robots, a WordPress development agency, CEO of Triberr- a blogging and influencer marketing platform, Cofounder of JuiceTank - a NJ-based startup incubator, and WordPress wrangler at Gabfire Themes. He is also a world traveler with a knack for telling great stories.

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